Benefit of the Doubt

 by Macy Johnson

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.”

(Philippians 4:6 NIV)

 

After a swim with my grandchildren in the lake, I hurried to the outside shower and turned it on. The pressure was low, but I continued to lather up my body in my swimsuit and rinse off. When I turned off the shower, I noticed a stream of water running down the length of our carport. I opened the door to the storage room behind the shower and discovered an inch of water on the floor.

 

My insurance agent recommended a home repair service nearby. I called and made an appointment for the next Thursday afternoon. You can probably write the rest of the story for me. Jeff and I cancelled our plans so we would be available for the contractor. Mid-afternoon I called and left a message. He never came and never returned my call.

 

The next morning I wanted to contact my insurance agent to complain about her recommendation, but God told me to wait. Jeff simultaneously suggested, “Let’s give this company the benefit of the doubt.” We waited several days before asking someone else to help us.

 

The meaning of THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is “the state of accepting something or someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts.”

 

I had my doubts. I wanted to trust this company, but they left me high and dry. I’m so sorry this is typical behavior. Only God knows what is going on in the heart and mind of another person and calls me to pray for them.

 

I will try to give others the benefit of the doubt as long as the Holy Spirit leads me to. I hope you will, too!